Dragon boat race returns to the River Cam

More than 500 people will take to the waters of the River Cam in Fen Ditton on Saturday, September 10, for the 16th annual Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival, which is supported by the Cambridge Independent.

Spectators can watch more than 35 teams battling it out during the day in the boat races, cheered on by hundreds of supporters. The teams represent businesses and groups from across Cambridgeshire and the surrounding area, all seeking to raise vital funds for festival charity, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT).

The dragon boats, qualified helms and racing equipment are provided by organisers, NewWave Events, and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races. Medals and trophies are awarded to the top three crews, top mixed crew, top fundraisers and the ‘best dressed’ crew.

There’s also an incentive to top the fundraising leader board as the crew raising the most money for ACT will receive a special prize experience with Let’s Go Punting. There are limited spaces available at this year’s event so anyone interested should contact NewWave Events on 01536 674748.

Races will take place every 10-15 minutes between 10am and 5pm and there will also be entertainment provided in the form of children’s rides, food stalls and a bar, plus a colourful lion dance, Tai Chi and traditional dancing displays from the Cambridge Chinese Community Centre at 12 noon, 1pm and 2pm.

At 2.51pm there will be a flypast from a Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Visitors will also be able to find out more about ACT and the fantastic work they do in making a difference for patients at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals.

Joe Sagoe, ACT’s events lead, said: “By entering a dragon boat crew and raising money for ACT, the teams will be helping to raise much-needed funds for cutting-edge technology, additional specialist services, vital research and extra comforts for patients that make all the difference over and above what would be possible through NHS funding alone.”

For further information, visit dragonboatevents.co.uk/cambridge-dragon-boat-festival/ or call NewWave Events on 01536 674 748. For information about the services provided by ACT, go to act4addenbrookes.org.uk/.

Entrance to the festival - which is sponsored by Redrow - is free and free parking is available at Fen Ditton recreation ground.